Showing posts with label beauty haul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty haul. Show all posts

Nu Skin AP-24 Whitening toothpaste review

Over many years I have tried various whitening toothpastes who promise results after a period of time and of course the photos are always extremely appealing. We all want white teeth, but it depends on your own teeth state, results will vary. Unfortunately I have sensitive teeth after eating too much acidic foods or use certain toothpastes for too long, which is quite annoying as it also causes my gums to bleed at times - not attractive!

There are more and more brands who have their own versions of whitening toothpaste as whiter teeth is becoming popular across the world, Nu Skin is one of them.  AP-24® Whitening Fluoride  is formulated with a unique combination of ingredients that removes stains and whitens teeth without harsh abrasive action. After extensive laboratory testing, this formula was shown to provide better whitening results than leading brands of whitening toothpaste.

For less than £10, there is 110g of product which is about 100ml tube lasts up to 2 months per tube. I use mine 3 times a day and it lasts me a month and half as little goes a long way with results to see.

Many whitening toothpastes contain peroxide, a chemical that bleaches teeth, but can weaken tooth enamel and irritate soft mouth tissues. Peroxides should only be used in a professional setting. AP-24® Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste does not contain peroxide. Neither does it contain harsh abrasives − they remove stains, but erode and scratch teeth.
AP-24® Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste resulted in a 63%
increase in tooth brightness in clinical trials. 


The AP-24 whitening Fluoride toothpaste:

  • Brightens and whitens teeth
  • Helps remove stains
  • Helps remove and prevent plaque buildup
  • Helps the prevention of dental cavities
  • Provides a long-lasting smooth, clean, and fresh feel 
  • Features AP-24, an exclusive ingredient
  • Refreshing, trademark vanilla mint flavor
  • Thick, creamy, rich formula
  • No harmful peroxides
Ingredients:

Water (Aqua), Hydrated Silica, Sorbitol, Alumina, Glycerin, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, PEG-12, Sodium Monofluorophosphate (0.15 w/v fluoride ions), Dimethicone*, Poloxamer 338*, Poloxamer 407*, Cellulose Gum, , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Flavour (Aroma), Sodium Saccharin, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).

*A component of the patented AP-24® formula.

Strawbeefull
my results in just under a week


Pro's:

  • slight vanilla & mint taste
  • taste is not too hot for the tongue
  • Gentle to teeth and mild to gums
  • product can last 2 months as you only need a pea sized amount each time
  • brightens and whitens teeth while fighting plaque formation after meals
  • alcohol free
  • Leaves a clean, just-brushed feeling that lasts
  • safe to use more than twice a day woohoo!


Personally for me, I brush my teeth morning and night, plus during the day after eating certain foods like too much sugar or food that get stuck in between my teeth. Most toothpastes recommend to use only day and night but even after chewing gum after meals doesn't help my teeth feel or look as clean as brushing it. Featuring a special formula that contains no harmful peroxides, AP-24 Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste also helps remove stains and aids in the prevention of cavities.
The flip top lid ensures the product does not dry if the lid was opened, no loose screw lid and no twisting off lid which half the time, I end of losing, when you're rushing out in the morning, the last thing I want to do is waste time looking for the lid! Does anyone else have this problem?

One thing I noticed was when I spit out the formula, it is an off-white (sometimes yellow-ish colour) foam which is the plaque from the teeth. sounds disgusting but its true!
 The toothpaste demonstrates the results after you have brushed your teeth - I have never seen this before as the formula is usually too watery or too strong for me to keep in my mouth but this is gentle for my sensitive teeth.


If you're interested to try this product, please send me a message - available world wide.

XOX





Nu Skin vs Aveda - my top shampoo of the year


Hair care is as equally important as washing my face or moisturising my skin from head to toe. I intend to grow my hair down to my knees and now that it's being looked after from root to tip, I believe I will reach that goal sooner than I think!

Why? Well, after trying various brands of shampoo's, conditioners, hair masks, hair sprays , hair oils, treatments, I have same problems after a short period of time and even though I take my multi-vitamins, I still do get the off fall outs. I wash my hair every single day, even though they say its bad for you, its always been a priority for me ever since I was a kid. Working in a hospital environment and having my hair done for photo shoots kills my hair strands so of course I need to look after it well.

Take a look at my previous blog post for more pictures including the amount of fall outs I have in just 2 days! Do you have that problem too?

 Did you know that as you age, your hair follicles reduces its diameter hence why we have thinner hair as we grow older - this can be due to many factors including diet, lack of vitamin absorption, pollution, stress AND the products we use on our hair, so looking after it now will prevent you from having thin hair or going bald whether you're a male or female. 




 Throughout last winter I used this shampoo by Aveda, known for using natural plant extracts and natural oils to help maintain the hair and ' professionally developed, clinically tested, and go to exceptional lengths to be respectful of the earth. '


Aveda can be found in most department stores such as Selfridges, Debenams, House of Fraser, as well as salons and some hair boutique stores. It can also be purchased online.



 
After receiving samples from Aveda counter, I decided to buy the full price bottle for £20.50. I bought 2 bottles in total as I wanted to use it for at least 2 months.

There is 200ml of the product and having use this every day, I finished 1 bottle in about a month and half as a little goes a long way.

The scent smelt like herbs but didn't last on my hair, which I wasn't too bothered about because I found the scent of the shampoo abit too over whelming as it smelt like I had worked in a chinese herbal shop all day!

The consistency was thick and it did slide off my fingers very quickly in the shower which meant it would end up on the floor, not in my hair. I was quite disappointed by the lotion as it was £20.50 I felt like I had wasted some of this product if I wasn't careful enough. I learnt from this mistake anyhow and continued to use this but to pour out the product slowly into my dry hairs then onto my wet hair.

I didn't notice much of my fall-outs reducing even after using it for over a month, but I did notice the hair felt thicker and more wax-like in terms of texture. After air drying it, the scent of the herbs remained in my hair but if I was to blow dry my hair, it felt slightly sticky and thick at times and I can assure you, I did wash it thoroughly.

The lid is a push-down top lid which means the lotion can be squeezed out the bottle.

It promises to:

  • Cleanses, exfoliates and renews the scalp with wintergreen-derived salicylic acid.
  • Clinically proven to remove the build-up of sebum and product residue that can clog pores and affect healthy hair.
  • Nourishes dry, tight scalps with extracts from millet seed and milk thistle, equalizing the lipid balance.
  • Contains densiplexTM-an invigorating blend of Ayurvedic herbs, including turmeric and ginseng.
  • One of 7 groundbreaking products honoured with Gold-level Cradle to Cradle certification.

VS


The exfoliating shampoo deep cleanses the scalp to remove debris and buildup in the follicle

I was recommended this Clarifying shampoo to try and I saw the active ingredients - totally intrigued. If you are a hair freak or work in the hair profession - you must check this one out!

For £16 there is 250ml of product in the long tall bottle with a flip lid on top.

I used this everyday for the first 7 days (due to curling, hair spraying and backcombing) then 2-3 times a week after that if need be and its lasting me just over a month, in fact I am still using my first bottle. I tend to use this more when my hair goes through a lot of damage such as heat appliances, hot sun, backcombing and hair prep from photo shoots I recently did.
The beauty of this shampoo is you can feel that your hair is loved from the first use and now my hair feels so much fuller, thicker in each hair strand and shines. My split ends are taken care of and I can continue to grow it.

It promises to:

On day one, Nu Skin® Clarifying Shampoo provides a deep clean without stripping the hair of natural moisturisers for renewed manageability. By day seven, hair actually feels stronger. Formulated with shea butter seedcake extract, this powerful cleanser attaches to build-up - including nicotine, chlorine and environmental pollutants - and washes away the signs of ageing. Your hair will feel clean, shiny and manageable after just one wash.


The consistency is thick but once it is applied to the hair, it sinks in. I love it when it is massaged on my scalp, it feels very minty and revitalised. It turns into a foam on the scalp but not as thick as soap, which means it doesn't leave the hair feeling sticky but only to gently cleanser overworked hair.

The main active ingredients:-

•    Cotton Bloom Extract - smoothes the cuticle, protects the keratin structure and moisturises naturally with seven actively synergistic oligosaccharides.
•    Shea Butter Seedcake Extract (butyrospermum parkii) – acts as a detoxifying agent to remove chlorine, heavy metals, nicotine, exhaust, gas and other environmental pollutants.
•    Nettle - cleanses hair and helps control sebum production.



To conclude this, my ultimate favourite is definatly the Nu Skin Clarifying shampoo because after seeing the results within 7 days using a small amount, I didn't have the results from the Aveda shampoo until after a week and the texture of my hair was very sticky whereas the Nu Skin shampoo smoothed my hair making it more manageable - this is without the use of a conditioner so imagine what my hair would be like with the use of a conditioner or a hair mask?!

Long term wise - buying 2 bottles of each, definatly saving more money on the Nu Skin Clarifying shampoo and longer lasting. My scalp feels moisturised and the hair is loved from root to tip, it rediscovers my hairs strength which I lost ever since I was in my late teens as my hair went through a lot of hair dye, straight perms, curlers, straighteners. Now I am keeping it all natural & growing it mega long for my big day!


Suitable for all ages and highly recommended to those who put their hair through a lot of stress or people with thick and hoarse hair.

If you're interested to try, send me an email to be registered to buy -

 Much Love

XOX

strawbeefull@gmail.com

Love my strenghthened hair - Necklace is from http://www.tigeressboutique.com (quote Jess when purchasing)



Latest beauty haul!



WOW I haven't added a blog entry for SO long! I guess I have been busy lazy and abandoned my blog, fear not, I am back!!! I have actually missed writing and adding photo's so I shall endeavour to make more of an effort! Due to busy schedule with my jobs, I guess this has been my last place to leave my thoughts!

So... ANYWAYS.... my latest beauty haul includes all these items from Nu Skin. I have been wanting to try the whitening toothpaste for a while now, just finished my stock of Colgate Total and I said to myself I would try this whitening one as it's one of the worlds bestest whitening toothpaste you can get! Very intrigued as I wanted to have my teeth whitened but scared due to the harsh chemicals and my teeth can be quite sensitive at times so this is a safe option for me! 
I bought a face essentials guide as it would benefit me in what I can recommend to my clients as I haven't tried absolutely everything in the Nu Skin range, probably only 1/4 of the entire store but I love what I am using at the moment in the ageLOC range. I also got some more of my ageLOC gels for my face & body galvanic machines preparing my body for the summer!! Planning on holidays from May onwards so am working on it now! Otherwise I just wont do it!  It's always easier said than done right?
Of course I got a bottle of the moisture mist, which is my absolute holy grail! Each bottle is 250ml and it lasts me about 2 months which is a real bargain price at about £15 per bottle! Just love love the stuff!! Will be blogging about it soon!!

See you guys real soon!

XOX

Sephora "air" polish

I have a long weekend off work yey so as it's my moms birthday, I decided to paint my nails! 

Here I am wearing Sephora's Universe collection in "air" which is a clear polish with spectacles of aluminium-like peices. It's so simple but sparkly! Love it! 


Would work with a colour underneath for a sparkle of colour! 

Pro's:

• fast drying, approximately 90 seconds per layer
• soft thick brush so you don't need to do too many strokes especially if you have wide nails like me
• very sparkly with infusions of aluminum-like spectrums
• has not chipped yet! 
• love the bottle with the white squared lid and cardboard box
• affordable price of about $12US which is about £1 UK 
• thin texture
• consistency can be kept mixed with the use of 2 metal balls in the bottle for shaking 


Con's:

• limited edition
• 4 choices in this collections
• available from USA only



Have you ever tried this or any polishes from this collection?

XOX

Eyes

Ever woken up to puffy or tired looking eyes and having enough sleep the night before?

The skin around the eyes is very delicate as it's very thin and sensitive, your eyes can tell people how tired your body is or if you have allergies, increased salt intake, not enough sleep or crying. 

The main reason why I had this result in my eyes would probably from the meal I had the previous day...... I had a Christmas dinner from work (Thank You NHS for the free meal) and although even choosing the healthier option, lean meat and vegetables, there was still a lot of salt in that meal. This was my result due to mainly water retention, lack of sleep from the previous nights, and dealing with stress. Even after having 8-9 hours sleep! I couldn't believe for the whole entire day I had to walk around with these tired looking puffy eyes.


14-12-13 top photo
15-12-13 bottom photo

night on 14-12-13 after a face galvanic treatment
I didn't feel tired but I did do 3 x 12.5 hour shifts at the hospital and I was travelling up to Liverpool for lunch but I did ensure I had enough sleep the night before, which was 8-9 hours in total.

In those photos above I had make up on, just my tinted moisturiser, eyeshadow and mascara. I didn't want to over-do the face with too much make up on as it would make me look even more 'tired' when I didn't feel like I was.

So when I got home, I used my face galvanic machine to draw out the excess fluid and draw out the toxins from my face and also draining the facial lymph nodes.

On the right is my face make up free after a facial galvanic treatment. My eyes are less puffy and skin is now completely flawless.
Not only does the facial galvanic give you flawless skin, it also draws out excess fluid and making sure your skin is smooth which is why this is my holy grail beauty accessory!


Please note, my photos have not been altered in any way.

If you're interested in trying a galvanic treatment then feel free to contact me for more details.

XOX

2 weeks of intensive treatment looks like this on my hips

Ok, just to clarify, this is what my current hips look like and I have NOT touched it for over 5 weeks now. I solely did this on purpose to demonstrate how powerful ageLOC is with the use of the body galvanic

AgeLOC is very exclusive as it gets right down to the source of the 'problems' by identifying the youth gene clusters, and changing the expression of it. It's not treatment or creams layering on your skin and you hoping for a miracle, I have the results to show what it did to me.

I bought the body galvanic as a treat to myself for my birthday this year and I initially used it for my legs. After a 12 and half hour shift of hardly sitting down, running around like a mad-women, it helps to relax my legs and draw out the swelling.

You can use the body galvanic anywhere on the body from shoulder down to the feet, it's not recommended to use anywhere upwards as the face galvanic works on the head and neck. The body galvanic works 10 times deep into the skin tissues therefore very effective for those with problems like cellulite, stretch marks, 'love handles' , bingo wings, varicose veins. 

The device has only one button, you just switch it on and off, it's very simple to use. 
It works 5 minutes at a time and once the 5 minutes is up, it will beep to tell you it's done. You can continue for a further 5 minutes or switch it off. There is no confusion in more than 1 button, it didn't even confuse me lol!

To activate the machine you must apply the ageLOC body shaping gel to the area, as this is your treatment to deep into the skin. By using your body currents, the machine helps to activate the treatment into the skin and you just massage the machine lightly over the problematic area. Please note, this is a pain-free treatment, I did intially expect some sort of pain but it's very simple to use. 
After 5-10 minutes of treatment, you apply the ageLOC dermatic effects cream to the area, it helps to make the skin feel and look smoother, whilst increasong cellular turnover, which is necessary for returning skin to its natural radiant texture.

Okay, this is what you're all waiting for and here it is.....

30 minutes treatment in total over a period of 2 weeks
In just 2 weeks I used it 6 times, 5 minutes each on my right hip.  This is to compare results to the left hip that hasn't been body galvanic'ed. As you can see, the results are amazing, and that was  over 7 weeks ago, I show people my hips to prove how powerful ageLOC is and how effective it is. I even went on holiday and sunbathed like this, so that is why there is a bikini tan line under my over-hang.  My hips don't lie , clearly they didnt !

For every individual it is different due to your skin texture, ageing process and your genes but an intense 8 week treatment there will be results you could never imagine. 


If you have any further questions, feel free to let me know! 


ageLOC products can be bought in 53 countries world wide, if you're interested to buy, send me an email and I can register you up straight away!



Sephora + Pantone Universe Nail

Fire
Sephora + Pantone Universe invoke the primal wonders of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water to forecast a season of elemental thrall. Introducing a spectrum of rare umbers, ethereal lilacs, rapturous vermillions, and deep sea ceruleans—all harmonized to create the perfect storm of supernatural beauty. (from Sephora website )

In October I was over in the States, Utah, Salt Lake City. I went into Sephora and managed to pick up some of their latest collection of nail polishes, including Air, Earth & Fire. These are limited edition and retails at just $10 per bottle. 

Due to the nature of my job, I don't often paint my nails but when I do, I love making sure they stand out. I always paint my toe nails all year round, but they are mainly covered up. 

In this collection, it is designed to:

Unleash the force of the four elements and adorn your nails with these high-impact lacquers in four dimensional effects: earthly chrome, watery shimmer, airy sparkle, and fiery glitter. These unique colors and finishes can be combined to create unique nail designs. ( Sephora )


Pro's:

  • gives a metallic pink finish, very unique and shiny
  • fast drying
  • applying 1-2 coats is enough
  • thick soft brush, perfect to brush onto wide nails like mine
  • lovely presentation bottle and box
  • cheap for money
Con's:

  • peels off the following day
  • can chip off easily even with 2 layers therefore I would recommend a clear top coat
  • limited edition


If you're a nail fanatic and love strange patterns/colours then try this!

Have fun!

XOX

Ever suffered with allergy reaction from unknown lotions?


 I have recently suffered an allergy reaction to a body lotion which kind of suprised me because the product was meant to be soothing for the skin but having very sensitive skin, can still have reactions.
During the colder seasons my skin all over my body begins to show reactions a lot more than warmer seasons. I use to have severe eczema, I was at the doctors every 2 weeks getting creams, dermatologist reviews and it really did have a major effect on my confidence. 
I don't have eczema anymore as I have got right down to the source of the problems but I do have rosacea on my face and it does happen on my thighs, stomach and arms even when I am wearing long layers to cover up.  It's so painful to touch especially when it comes to washing my face or shaving my legs , the skin feels like it's on fire and it's unbearable at times!
Having a skin reaction makes me feel so unhappy because it hurts and looks horrible! totally knocks my confidence.
Due to the environment in work in, I have to washed my hands at least 50 times a day with the foamy soap and water, I am not a fan of using soap nor the strong alcohol gel but I did cover up the affected area with a sterile dressing then let it breath at night when I sleep.
the start - redness and sore
I work as a nurse most times and due to infection control, we have to use soap and water after every patient contact, therefore I have to be very careful of what lotions I use on my skin and making sure it is looked after the best as it can be.

However, I used a lotion and just after a few times this was what happened...... 
 

day 2



This was what I used on my hands, after about 3 uses my skin began to hurt, the skin felt so tight and itchy and it stung so badly, then the bumps showed up.

day 2 - 3

I had the bumps on my hand for about 6 days before it actually calmed down. I used my Hyaluronic acid spray to calm down the redness, perennial to deeply moisturise it and also enhancer to stop it from spreading. They are the main treatments I use when it comes to any skin problems I have. 

After 2-4 days it calmed down to this. It's not as visible as before and the bumps are still there but the redness has definitely calmed down and it's not itchy anymore. 

I used 3 products to help the hand calm and resolve. They are all from Nu Skin ,
Moisture Mist Spray, Perennial moisturiser and Enhancer Gel

  • I used the moisture mist spray to help lock in moisture as my skin felt so sore and tight, whenever the skin has a reaction it loses its hydration levels and causes the tightness feeling then show signs of a reaction. I also use this to set my make up and lock in moisture before I sleep by spritzing 2 spritz before bed. 
  • using the Perennial moisturiser it helps the skin to reinforce the skin's natural defence mechanisms protecting against dry air, cold climate and wind. Fragrance-free. Safe and gentle for all skin types, including sensitive like mine. This is great for all over the body all year round. 
  • the Enhancer has a cooling sensation when it's applied to the skin. The clear gel melts onto the skin absorbing deep into the epidermis, great for any soreness or burns, also for pre-post shaving for men!

day 6

after 7-9 days
If you suffer with skin problems such as rosacae, or eczema with sensitive skin type then you may want to consider this as an option. 
You can only buy Nu Skin products from a distributor and I am one of them. Send me an email with your skin problems and I will get back to you with recommendations. 
 The photos are all my hand, not editted.
Thank You for reading my ramble!
XOX


** I am a distributor for Nu Skin, this product was purchased with my own money and I have given my most honest opinion, I have not been contacted by the company to give this review in any way. **
Send me an email if you're interested to buy!

My first Sephora haul

I have never ever been to a Sephora store before in my whole life! But seeing that I am in Utah right now, it was a must that I needed to go purchase a few essentials.

Sephora is one of America's beauty drug store, equipped from every beauty item from top brands to their own collections.
I have hear and seen many reviews on Sephora make up brushes, very popular in the U.S. with good results so I just had to get a few!


I love having a collection of bright coloured nail polishes! Even though I don't often paint my nails, I always paint my toe nails though. 
I managed to get hold of a Marc Jacobs nail polish which I instantly fell in love with the colour which is an orange! I also managed I get hold of Sephora's own collection of polishes in a pinky marble colour with 2 glitter specs.

Super excited to use my brushes as my old ones are literally falling apart! The brushes are soft and look very professional, not so sure how they will be when I start using them though! 

If anyone has any reviews on the brushes, feel free to leave it under my post so I can have a read!

XOX